Site Visit Report
BPCL Sand Bank - Mangrove Plantation Assessment
Date 31 October 2023
Time 11:45 AM to 12:46 PM
Location : Sand Bank Island, westwards of Ernakulam Water Metro Station
Objective
To conduct a site visit and assessment for the plantation of Rhizophora Mucronata saplings as part of the BPCL Mangrove Restoration Project.
Overview
On 31 October 2023, a dedicated team consisting of representatives from Grassroute and BPCL conducted a site visit to assess the suitability of Sand Bank Island for mangrove plantation. This island, situated to the west of the Ernakulam Water Metro Station, is home to an oil pipeline owned by BPCL.
Activities and Observations
The site visit began at 11:45 AM with a comprehensive assessment of the region. During the visit, it was identified that Sand Bank Island featured ideal conditions for planting true mangroves, particularly Rhizophora Mucronata. The team also recognized the presence of three true mangrove species and four mangrove associate species within the site.
Following species we identified in the location.
Sl | Common Name | Binomial Name | Type* | Vernacular Name |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Long-fruited Stilted Mangrove | Rhisophora mucronata | TM | പ്രാന്തന് കണ്ടല് |
2 | White Mangrove | Avicennia officinalis | TM | ഉപ്പട്ടി / ഉപ്പൂത്ത |
3 | Blind your eye Mangrove | Excoecaria agallocha | TM | കണ്ണാമ്പൊട്ടി / കമ്മട്ടി |
4 | Sea Holly Mangrove | Acanthus ilicifolius | MA | ചുള്ളിക്കണ്ടല് |
5 | Clerodendrum inerme | MA | പുഴമുല്ല / ചങ്കുംകുപ്പി | |
6 | Derris trifoliata | MA | പൊന്നാംവള്ളി | |
7 | Ipomoea campanulata | MA | മണിവള്ളി |
TM = True Mangrove / MA = Mangrove Associate
Consultations and discussions were held among the team members, including Mr. Shubham Khatri, Chief Manager (Project Technical), and Mr. Arjun, Senior Manager (Projects) from BPCL, along with Mr. K.K. Reghuraj, Retired Farm Superindent from KUFOS, and Grassroute members Manoj, Jose, and Thomas. The goal was to finalize the area and formats for planting the 24 Rhizophora Mucronata saplings.
Conclusion
The site visit was concluded at 12:46 PM. It highlighted the island's potential as a crucial site for mangrove plantation and restoration. The rich biodiversity of true mangrove species and associates emphasizes the importance of this project for ecological preservation.
The collaborative efforts of Grassroute and BPCL are aligned with the shared mission of promoting ecological restoration and sustainable environmental practices. We look forward to further advancements in the BPCL Mangrove Restoration Project.
Photos
Sand Bank Island Entrance
Enroute to Sand Bank Island
Enroute to Sand Bank Island
Enroute to Sand Bank Island
Enroute to Sand Bank Island
Discussion going on
The present mangrove treasure in the island
This must be Ipomoea campanulata
Ipomoea's stem. Really hard to break
The Mangrove ecosystem in the island. A close shot
The Sand Bank Island. A long shot
The Sand Bank Island. A wide angle shot
Flickr Album
View the Flickr album here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB1FaQ